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Doug Besterman

Also Credited As: Douglas Besterman

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Doug Besterman BIO

DOUG BESTERMAN is a three-time Tony Award winning musician with a career spanning across theatre, film, television and recording. As a Composer, Producer, Arranger, and Orchestrator, he has been privileged to work with some of the most recognizable names in the industry, including composers Mel Brooks, Alan Menken, and Marc Shaiman; recording artists Barbra Streisand and Barry Manilow; and directors Rob Marshall and Susan Stroman.

A veteran of 25+ Broadway shows, Besterman won the Best Orchestrations Tony Award® for Fosse, The Producers, and Thoroughly Modern Millie, and was nominated for The Music Man (2000), How to Succeed in Business, and Bullets over Broadway. He was also awarded the Drama Desk Award for The Producers and Thoroughly Modern Millie. His most recent Broadway credits include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, A Bronx Tale, and Anastasia.

Besterman has also written orchestrations for 20+ film and television projects; including recent film work on Mary Poppins Returns, Aladdin (2019), Beauty and the Beast (2017) and Frozen; and American Housewife, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and Galavant for television.

As a composer, Besterman penned the scores for the podcast musical Little Did I Know (with lyricists Dean Pitchford and Marcy Heisler), currently available for download on Apple Podcasts; The Big One-Oh (with lyricist Dean Pitchford), which recently premiered at The Atlantic For Kids in NYC, and is available for licensing through Music Theater International (MTI); and the vignette “Swelling and Irritation” (with lyricist Sharon Vaughn) from the musical Breathe, also to be licensed by MTI - concept album to be released by Sony. His music has also been recorded by singer Christian Bautista, heard in the films The Punisher, Out of Step and Exit Speed, television shows Summerland and One Life To Live, in concert with the United States Military Academy Concert Band, and in the musical revue Hats.

He is a proud father, husband, and sommelier. When not in New York or Los Angeles working, Doug is an avid traveler. Follow his latest adventures at @DougBesterman.

Doug Besterman Productions

 
[US Tour, 2022]
Orchestrations
 
[US Tour, 2021] [Replacement]
Orchestrations[Replacement]
 
[Regional (US), 2019]
Orchestrator
 
[US Tour, 2018] [Replacement]
Orchestrations[Replacement]
 
[US Tour, 2018] Cancelled [Replacement]
Orchestrations[Replacement]
 
[US Tour, 2018] [Replacement]
Orchestrations[Replacement]
 
[Milburn, NJ (Regional), 2018]
Orchestrator
 
[West End, 2017] [Replacement]
Orchestrations[Replacement]
 
[Milburn, NJ (Regional), 2017]
Orchestrations
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2016]
Orchestrator
 
[Regional (US), 2016]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2015] [Replacement]
Orchestrator[Replacement]
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Orchestrations
 
[West End, 2013]
Orchestrator
 
[Off-Broadway, 2013]
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 2013]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Orchestrator
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Movement Director
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Orchestrator
 
[US Tour, 2012]
Orchestrations
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Orchestrator
 
[West End, 2009]
Orchestrator
 
[Houston, TX (Regional), 2008]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2007]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Orchestrator
 
[West End, 2005]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 2004]
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[Broadway, 2002]
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[Broadway, 2001]
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[Broadway, 2000]
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[Broadway, 2000]
Orchestrator
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Orchestrator

Writing


Doug Besterman Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, Anastasia

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, Anastasia

Tony Awards - 2014 - Best Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, Bullets Over Broadway: The Musical

Tony Awards - 2011 - Best Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, Young Frankenstein


winner
Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, Thoroughly Modern Millie


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, The Producers


winner
Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, The Producers


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, The Music Man

Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Orchestrations

Doug Besterman, The Music Man

Doug Besterman Videos

Doug Besterman News


From La Jolla Playhouse to Broadway - A Brief History


Learn more about some of the Broadway productions that you may not have realized began their journey at La Jolla Playhouse! 

Jodi Picoult and Timothy Allen McDonald's BREATHE Is Now Available for Licensing


Written as the Covid-19 pandemic unfolded, Breathe follows five pairs of characters grappling with the virus’s impact on their lives, families, relationships, society, and health. Ranging from lighthearted to heartbreaking, unbelievable and all-too-real, these vignettes tackle everything from parenting in Covid, to Black Lives Matter protests, to saying goodbye to a spouse via Zoom.

Photos & Video: Get a First Look at BOOP! THE BETTY BOOP MUSICAL


Get a first loo at photos and video of Boop! The Betty Boop Musical.

Review: The New York Pops Celebrates 21st CENTURY BROADWAY Musicals in Their Rousing Season Opener at Carnegie Hall


Under the talented and guiding hand of music director and conductor Steven Reineke, this exceptional orchestra gives Broadway songs a majesty and heft that most Broadway orchestra pits cannot provide.

Missoula Community Theatre Presents MEL BROOKS' YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN


Missoula Community Theatre presents Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein, a musical parody of horror films. Get ready for non-stop laughs from October 19-29 at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts.

THE BIG ONE-OH! Now Available for Licensing Through MTI


The Big One-Oh! TYA joins an MTI catalogue that contains two other versions of the show including the 60-minute Broadway Junior® musical as well as an Online Edition.

Andy Mientus to Star in JIM HENSON'S EMMET OTTER'S JUG-BAND CHRISTMAS in Chicago


A live theatrical adaptation of “Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas” is making its Chicago debut this holiday season, November 14-December 31, 2023. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Video: Watch 'It Had To Be You', 'Lucky Day' & More From SUMMER STOCK at Goodspeed Musicals


Experience the captivating performances of 'It Had To Be You', 'Lucky Day', and more at SUMMER STOCK, the incredible show at Goodspeed Musicals. Don't miss this must-see production filled with talent and entertainment.

Video: Watch Danielle Wade Perform 'Get Happy' in SUMMER STOCK at Goodspeed


Watch Danielle Wade and the company deliver an electrifying and showstopping performance of 'Get Happy'. Experience their incredible energy and talent at Goodspeed Musicals.

Video: Corbin Bleu Performs 'Joe's Dance' in SUMMER STOCK at Goodspeed Musicals


Watch Corbin Bleu perform 'Joe's Dance' in Summer Stock at Goodspeed Musicals!

Review Roundup: SUMMER STOCK Opens at Goodspeed Musicals


Read the reviews for Summer Stock at Goodspeed Musicals!

Review: World Premiere of SUMMER STOCK Opens To A Standing Ovation


Summer Stock has its eyes set on Broadway. Does Summer Stock deserve a Broadway run? Absolutely. In this critic’s opinion, it couldn’t get there soon enough.

Video: Watch Corbin Bleu & More Perform 'Dig For Your Dinner' in SUMMER STOCK at Goodspeed Musicals


Watch the cast of Summer Stock at Goodspeed Musicals perform 'Dig For Your Dinner'.

Video: The Cast of SUMMER STOCK At Goodspeed Musicals Performs 'Accentuate the Positive'


Corbin Bleu and Danielle Wade lead the cast of the world premiere musical comedy Summer Stock at Goodspeed Musicals. Filled with exuberant dance numbers and hits from the American songbook, Summer Stock will run July 7 - Aug. 27 at The Goodspeed in East Haddam, Conn. Watch the video!

Video: All New Clips of Corbin Bleu and More in SUMMER STOCK at Goodspeed Musicals


Corbin Bleu and Danielle Wade lead the cast of the world premiere musical comedy Summer Stock at Goodspeed Musicals. Filled with exuberant dance numbers and hits from the American songbook, Summer Stock will run July 7 - Aug. 27 at The Goodspeed in East Haddam, Conn. Check out all new clips in the video here!

Video: See Corbin Bleu & More in the Trailer for SUMMER STOCK at Goodspeed Musicals


Watch the trailer for Summer Stock at Goodspeed Musicals starring Corbin Bleu, Danielle Wade and more.

Video: Go Inside Rehearsal For Goodspeed's SUMMER STOCK Starring Corbin Bleu, Will Roland, Veanne Cox, And More


Goodspeed Musicals has released video from inside rehearsal for the world premiere musical comedy Summer Stock, the second production of its 60th anniversary season. Go inside the rehearsal room with the show's exuberant cast below!

Will Roland, Veanne Cox, and More Join Corbin Bleu and Danielle Wade in Goodspeed's SUMMER STOCK


Goodspeed Musicals has announced the cast for the world premiere musical comedy Summer Stock, the second production of its 60th anniversary season. Filled with exuberant dance numbers and hits from the American songbook, it is adapted from the MGM/Warner Bros. film Summer Stock and will appear on the Goodspeed stage from July 7 – August 27 in East Haddam, Connecticut.

JIM HENSON'S EMMET OTTER'S JUG-BAND CHRISTMAS to Play Chicago This Holiday Season


A live theatrical adaptation of “Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas” is making its Chicago debut this holiday season at the Studebaker Theater at the historic Fine Arts Building.

2011 Tony Nominations Announced! THE BOOK OF MORMON Leads With 14!


Past Tony winners Anika Noni Rose and Matthew Broderick announced the 2011 Tony Awards nominees live from the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts in New York City.

Doug Besterman FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Doug Besterman written?

Doug Besterman has written 1 shows including The Big One-Oh! (Music).

What awards has Doug Besterman been nominated for?

Doug Besterman has been nominated for several awards for his orchestrations including Outstanding Orchestrations at the Drama Desk Awards for Anastasia, Young Frankenstein, The Producers, and The Music Man. He was also nominated for Outstanding Orchestrations at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Anastasia. Additionally, Besterman received nominations for Best Orchestrations at the Tony Awards for Bullets Over Broadway: The Musical, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Producers, and The Music Man.

What awards has Doug Besterman won?

Doug Besterman has won the following awards for his orchestrations: Best Orchestrations at the Tony Awards for Thoroughly Modern Millie and The Producers, and Outstanding Orchestrations at the Drama Desk Awards for The Producers and The Music Man.

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